Training Rules — Iowa Firefighters Association

GENERAL CONVENTION TRAINING RULES

RULES GOVERNING THE FIRE GROUND TRAINING AT
THE ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE IOWA FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

Revised March 19, 2022

TRAINING RULES:

1. THE THIEF – FOUR FIREFIGHTER TEAM Set up for Thief

TIME: Taken from the firing of the starter’s gun until target #1 is knocked down a second time by the contestant.

EQUIPMENT USED: Three sections 2&1/2” hose; Two sections 1&1/2” or 1&3/4” hose; One 2&1/2” x 1&1/2” gated wye; One 2&1/2” nozzle; Two 1&1/2” nozzles; Three targets; One hydrant; One hydrant wrench.

OBJECT: A contestant runs to the hydrant and turns the hydrant on while a contestant runs to the end of the extended 2&1/2” and knocks down target #1. After target #1 is down it is reset while two contestants carry 1&1/2” or 1&3/4” hose to 2&1/2” x 1&1/2” gated wye and couple them to the wye, and a contestant returns to the wye. Two contestants extend 1&1/2” or 1&3/4” lines, a contestant turns the water on to them, and targets #2 and #3 are knocked down. A contestant knocks down target #1 again after targets #2 and #3 go down to end the contest.

LAY-OUT: Two sections of 2&1/2” hose are coupled and extended from the hydrant towards target #1. The third section of 2&1/2” hose is connected to the hydrant and laid towards target #2 and #3 with the 2&1/2” x 1&1/2” wye connected. A 2&1/2” nozzle is coupled to the hydrant line. Contestants one and four start at a line 5 foot from their drill position. Contestants two and three start at a line behind the hydrant with the 1&1/2” or 1&3/4” hose loaded and the nozzles on the hose. The coupling of the extended 2&1/2” will be laid at the point 20 feet in front of and parallel to the hydrant and 20 feet perpendicular from the hydrant. The 2&1/2” x 1&1/2” gated wye will be laid at a point 40 feet in front of and parallel to the hydrant and 10 feet perpendicular from the hydrant. Target #1 will be placed 35 feet straight in front of the nozzle end of the extended 2&1/2” line. Targets #2 and #3 will be placed 75 feet in front of and 5 feet on each side of the gated wye.

RULES: 2&1/2” shall be charged and NOT drained before the first drill is run. The 2&1/2” line is connected to the hydrant, the nozzle shall be coupled on the extended 2&1/2” line on a mark on the pavement, and the targets shall be set as specified above. The 2&1/2” nozzle shall be closed after target #1 is knocked down the first time and cannot be opened again until both targets #2 and #3 are down. Contestants two and three may load the 1&1/2” or 1&3/4” hose in any manner they wish. At the end of the contest all couplings shall be hand tight.

All equipment needed except the 1&1/2” or 1&3/4” hose and (2) nozzles will be provided by the Association. Hose supplied by department must be standard double jacketed hose not to exceed 51 feet in length and shall have a maximum of one gasket of standard thickness in the female end. At the end of the contest participants shall assist judges and timers in returning all equipment to the starting position for the next team. Full protective clothing shall be required. General Rule 26 shall apply. Towns with more than one team participating shall supply at least one set of 1&1/2” or 1&3/4” hoses per team entered to avoid delays between teams caused by loading the hoses. The Thief will be the first drill to run.

PENALTIES: Ten seconds will be assessed per violation if contestants two or three cross their starting line before target #1 goes down the first time, or contestant four leaves the hydrant before target #1 goes down the first time, or if the 2&1/2” nozzle is not shut off after target #1 is knocked down the first time. Couplings not showing three full threads or hand tight – 3 seconds; couplings showing less than one full thread, disqualification. If target #1 is knocked down the second time before targets #2 and #3 are down, or if a contestant knocks down a target not assigned to them, disqualification. If the 1&1/2” or 1&3/4” hose supplied by the contestants is measured at any time before, during, or immediately after the contest and is found to exceed 51 feet in length or more than one gasket is found in the female end, the team shall be disqualified. If the hands of the contestant at the wye are touching the coupling or wye after whistle blows team will be disqualified.

PRIZES: Trophies, 1st – 4 points, 2nd – 3 points, 3rd – 2 points, 4th – 1 point

2. DISCONTINUED

3. ADVANCE LEADER LINE DRILL – THREE PERSON TEAM Set up for Leader Line

The two and one-half (2 1⁄2) inch lines from the hydrant to the valves will be charged. Any alteration of Association equipment shall cause disqualification of the department from this drill. The contestants shall furnish their own hose and nozzle for Drill #3. The hose shall be two lengths of standard, double jacketed, 1&1/2” or 1&3/4” hose, no longer than fifty one feet per length, coupled, with one standard thickness gasket per female coupling. The nozzles shall be 1&1/2” nozzles with one-half inch bore. No additives will be permitted. All towns entering more than one team shall supply at least two sets of 1&1/2” or 1&3/4” hose. Starting point of threads on valve to be on top.

All participants will furnish their own and work the revolution in protective clothing; firefighters’ boots, coat and helmet, with gloves optional (See general rule # 26)

Each team shall be ready when called to the line, to step into the starting box with their hose and nozzle. Hose may be rolled or folded to be carried in any manner the team sees fit. Ropes or straps may be used to secure hose rolls or folds if desired. Hose must not be dragged until after it has been carried across a line even with the valves and at right angles to the pavement center line. Two teams will be run at the same time; one to start in box one and work in lane one, the other to start in box two and work in lane two.

At the firing of the starter’s gun, the participants connect the hose to the valves, the coupling connections at the valve must be hand tight (see general rule #19) at the finish of the drill, lay the hose past the simulated doorway, back through the doorway and around the other side to approach the target. The nozzle is then used to knock the football from the cement block. The winning team must knock the football off the block so that it hits the pavement on the opponent’s side of the center line. Winning teams will be determined by elimination. Judges will toss a coin for choice between two teams for working lane.

TARGET: Regulation football nested about 1-3 diameter into hollowed out cement block, 16 inches x 8 inches x 8 inches with a 1×4 24 inches high at the rear of the block, extended over the top and down the front of the block. (Meaning for practical purposes, the cement block placed in a 24 x 16 inch frame made out of 1×4 or 2×4.)

DISQUALIFICATION: Failure to lay hose through the doorway as indicated. Any act, such as crossing the center line or directing water across the center across the center line, which physically interferes with the opposing team. Moving the base of the simulated doorway more than 6 inches out of line. Coupling connections at the valve not hand tight. Dragging any portion of the hose across a line even with the valves and at right angle to the center line, the loss of any fire fighter gear or the coupler’s hand still on coupling or valve after whistle blows will disqualify the offending team.

General Rule #21 will be enforced.

PRIZES: Trophies, 1st place – 4 points, 2nd – 3 points, 3rd – 2 points, 4th – 1 point.

4. CHIEF’S RACE – Two fast stepping feet and legs, furnished by participant.

TIME: Taken from firing of the starting gun until the participant crosses the finish line.

OBJECT: Run 50 yards in shortest time.

RULES: Every participant to run the 50 yards individually.

PENALTIES: Starting ahead of the gun the second time shall disqualify the participant.

PRIZES: Trophies, 1st place – 4 points, 2nd – 3 points, 3rd – 2 points, 4th – 1 point

**Note: THE FIRE CHIEF’S RACE is for FIRE CHIEF’S ONLY. This does not permit assistant chiefs, other officers, or any member of a fire department, to run in this race. Rule #14 will be enforced.

5. THE HITCHING POST – ONE FIREFIGHTER Set up for Hitchin Post

OBJECT: Tie three knots as fast as you can.

Contestant starts the event by hitting a remote stopwatch on/off switch and ends the time by hitting the same switch. A judge also times the event for a backup. Contestant ties – bowline knot around post, Clove Hitch around post, and Figure Eight on a bight.

RULES: Association rope must be used; contestant must kneel in front of hitching post. Rope must be laid out length wise in a straight line with the middle of rope in front of contestant. Knots can be tied in any order; contestant cannot touch rope while touching start/stop button.

Judging, Penalties and Disqualifications: Knot should be tight enough that there are no open loops within the knot itself. If a standard marble (5/8 cat-eye) can fall through a loop within the knot itself the contestant receives a one second penalty. Contestant is disqualified for failing any of the three knots. If the rope has to be manipulated to make the knot look right, it is not considered to be tied correctly. The tail of the rope can be either in or out of the loop for bowline knot. Association equipment shall be used consisting of: One Hitching Post 32” x 32” made of 2 ¼ pipe. One 7/16 Kernmantle Rope 14 feet long (PMI Static E-Z Bend), One remote button to stop watch (used for start and stop timer)

6. COUPLING DRILL – TWO FIREFIGHTERS

TIME: Taken from firing of the starting gun until nozzle hits the ground.

EQUIPMENT: 2 ½ inch standard shut-off nozzle furnished by the Association. Couplings are 2 ½ inch national thread.

OBJECT: Both firefighters to run 50 feet with nozzle, break coupling and connect nozzle in the shortest time.

RULES: Association nozzle must be used. Nozzle to lay flat on ground at starting line. Firefighters to stand erect with hands above head, until the starting gun is fired. Nozzle must show three full threads on coupling, or hand tight. Participants are permitted to address the coupling and nozzle only at the time immediately before they participate. Once threading is initiated, when the nozzle leaves the contestant’s hands and touches the ground, timing stops, and contest is over. If a contestant touches the nozzle after nozzle touches the ground, contestant will be disqualified.

SPECIAL NOTE: “three full threads or hand tight” shall be construed to mean – Couplings having more than three threads must be connected by three full threads. Couplings having less than three full threads must be connected hand tight.

PENALTIES: Nozzle not on three full threads or hand tight, 1 second penalty; nozzle on less than 2 threads, disqualified.

PRIZES: Trophies, 1st place – 4 points, 2nd – 3 points, 3rd – 2 points, 4th – 1 point

7. COUPLING DRILL – ONE FIREFIGHTER

TIME: Taken from the firing of the starting gun until nozzle, connected on coupling hits the ground.

EQUIPMENT: 2 ½ inch standard shut-off nozzle furnished by the Association. Couplings are 2 ½ inch national thread.

OBJECT: Break coupling and connect nozzle in shortest time.

RULES: Association nozzle must be used. Hose couplings to be made up and lying flat on the ground, with nozzle standing erect beside it. Participants must stand erect, with hands over head, until starting gun is fired. Nozzle must show three full threads on coupling or hand tight. Participants are permitted to address the couplings and nozzle only at the time immediately before they participate. Once threading is initiated, when the nozzle leaves the contestant’s hands and touches the ground, timing stops, and contest is over. If a contestant touches the nozzle after nozzle touches the ground, contestant will be disqualified.

PENALTIES: Nozzle not on three full threads or hand tight, 1 second penalty; nozzle on less than two threads, disqualified.

SPECIAL NOTE: “Three full threads or hand tight” shall be construed to mean – couplings having more than three threads must be connected by at least three full threads. Couplings having less than three full threads must be connected hand tight.

PRIZES: Trophies, 1st place – 4 points, 2nd – 3 points, 3rd – 2 points, 4th – 1 point.

8. REPLACING SECTION OF HOSE IN LINE – FOUR FIREFIGHTER TEAM Set up for Replacing a Section of Hose

TIME: Taken from the firing of the starter’s gun until target knocked down the second time.

EQUIPMENT: 4 sections of hose, nozzle, hydrant, hydrant wrench and a target approved by the Rules Committee an provided by the Association **(See general rule 18)

OBJECT: Turn on water, knock over target, shut off water, replace center section of hose, turn water on and again knock over target.

LAYOUT: Three sections of hose and nozzle will be connected to hydrant. Extra section of hose will be lying by center section. Pavement shall be marked where each coupling and the nozzle shall be placed. A mark shall be made 5 feet either side of the nozzle. Target to be placed one hundred seventy-five (175) feet from a line parallel to the hydrant.

RULES: Hose shall be charged before first participant run, and the coupling and nozzle shall be place on the proper marks on the pavement. Participants may indicate to the judge which side of the center section they wish the extra section to be placed. Firefighters to stand erect with hands above head until the starting gun is fired .Three firefighters start from a parallel line and 10 feet from the hydrant, the nozzleman shall be at a line five feet either side of the nozzle at the starter’s gun. No participant shall cross the starting line or address the hose before the drill starts. Couplings shall be marked at three full threads and the judges shall set each coupling accordingly at the start of each drill. At the conclusion of each drill, nozzle will be left open and couplings in line will not be broken or hose drained, and judges shall place the couplings and nozzles on the proper marks on the pavement.

PENALTIES: Couplings not showing three full threads or hand tight, 2 seconds; Couplings showing less than two full threads, 3 seconds; Couplings showing less than one full thread, disqualification.

NOTE: Couplings not firmly hand-tight are apt to leak, so couplings will be penalized for turn of threads not engaged rather than by amount of leakage.

PRIZES: Trophies, 1st place – 4 points, 2nd – 3 points, 3rd – 2 points, 4th – 1 point

NOTE: THE PARTICIPANTS THAT HAVE JUST COMPLETED THE RUNNING OF THE DRILL SHALL ASSIST THE JUDGES IN PUTTING THE HOSE BACK IN THE PROPER POSITION FOR THE NEXT PARTICIPANT.

9. EXTENDING A HYDRANT LINE – THREE FIREFIGHTER TEAM Set up for Extending a Hydrant Line

TIME: Taken from firing of the starter’s gun until second target is knocked over.

EQUIPMENT: Two 50 foot sections of 2 ½ inch hose, shut off nozzle, fire hydrant wrench on seam, a target and hydrant approved by the Rules Committee and provided by the Association.**(See general rule 18)

LAYOUT: Hydrant should be located at street curb. Targets set 15 feet from curb. Number 1 target 75 feet from hydrant. Number 2 target 125 feet from hydrant. Number 1 hose section laid parallel to curb and 15 feet from it. Male end even with hydrant. Female toward target. Number 2 hose section, 5 feet further out in street and in same manner as Number 1. Nozzle standing upright in center of two lines. Firefighters to stand erect with hands above head until the starting gun is fired, one firefighter beside the nozzle, and the other two on either side of him/her and outside of the two hose lines. Hydrant closed as specified by judges.

OBJECT: At the starter’s signal, firefighters connect number 1 hose to hydrant, attach nozzle, open hydrant, knock down first target. Firefighters will then shut down hydrant, remove nozzle, extend line with number 2 hose, attach nozzle, reopen hydrant and knock down second target.

RULES: Number 2 hose must not be touched by firefighters until number 1 target is knocked down. Hydrant cap to be hand tight at start and all couplings will be made hand tight.

PENALTIES: Ten second penalty if firefighter touches number 2 hose before number 1 target is knocked down; Dropped or thrown couplings or nozzle, 2 seconds; Each coupling not shown hand tight or three full threads, 2 seconds; Couplings showing less than two full threads, 3 seconds; Couplings showing less than one full thread, disqualified.

PRIZES: Trophies, 1st place – 4 points, 2nd place – 3 points, 3rd place – 2 points, 4th place – 1 point.

NOTE: THE PARTICIPANTS THAT HAVE JUST COMPLETED THE RUNNING OF THE DRILL SHALL ASSIST THE JUDGES IN PUTTING THE HOSE BACK IN THE PROPER POSITION FOR THE NEXT PARTICIPANTS.

10. WATER APPLICATION DRILL – FOUR FIREFIGHTER TEAM Set up for Water Application

TIME: At start and stop of the referee’s whistle…

OBJECT: To drive the ball over the opponents’ head…

WARNING: Do not turn stream on opponents.

RULES: All movement of the ball must be accomplished by force of hose streams. Starting position of each team shall be with the nozzle tip back of the goal line, nozzle closed and line charged laying flat on the ground. Ball on mark in center of cable. All participants shall provide their own and work the evolution in protective clothing (firefighter boots, coat and helmet) with gloves optional (See general rule 26) and shall stand erect with their hands above their heads when they are ready, and remain in that position until the starter’s signal. Drill shall start with the starter’s signal and stop at the sound of the judge’s or timer’s signal. Winning teams shall be determined by elimination. A time limit of three minutes shall be placed on each water application drill. Timers shall signal when time is up to stop the drill. Judges shall determine the position of the water ball in relation to the center mark on the cable and the losing team shall be the ones on whose side the ball was at the time the drill is stopped. Whenever water is flowing through the hoses, a person designated by the President of the Association shall be within arms reach of the safety valve so that if and when an emergency would occur that person could shut off the flow of water. The first team to shut off their nozzle will automatic forfeit the drill and the other team declared the winner.

PENALTIES: Deliberately or intentionally turning stream on opponents or the loss of any fire fighting gear, or any member of the team falling down, will disqualify the offending team.

PRIZES: Trophies, 1st place – 4 points, 2nd – 3 points, 3rd place – 2 points, 4th – 1 point.

PRESSURE: A pressure gauge will be connected at the Y, and with the nozzles open a pressure of 75 pounds will be maintained as accurately as possible at the Y, but in no case shall in vary more than 3 pounds in either direction. If in the opinion of the judges, pressure should be changed due to local problems, it may be done by a majority vote of the judges present.

EQUIPMENT: One steel ball suspended from cable15 feet from the ground, two lines of 2 ½ inch hose, with the same size nozzle and nozzle pressure. Official target shall be 16 gallon beer barrel. Target should have a solid center shaft with swiveling 3-pulley carrier. A safety valve shall be installed in the 2 ½ inch hose line between the Y and the pumper.

NOTE: The Association matched nozzles used in water application drills are: Akron style N.427 play pipe, 2 ½ inch N.S.T. base; style No. 1125 shutoff; style No.438, ¾ inch tips. NOTE: This is subject to change as to local conditions and other equipment to be used by program committee.

NOTE: TWO WATER BALL OUTFITS WILL BE SET UP AND USED UNTIL ALL BUT THE LAST 8 TEAMS ARE ELIMINATED (4 from each side). THE FINALS WILL BE HELD WITH THE LAST 8 TEAMS PARTICIPATING.